The City of Irving is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Grow America and the Women's Business Council - Southwest (WBCS) to enhance its Small Business Recovery & Resiliency Program. As the lead service provider, WBCS will play a vital role in working with selected applicants to provide tailored business services aimed at promoting recovery and resilience. These services encompass various aspects, including business training, website development, marketing, and accounting support.
Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "The Irving Small Business Recovery & Resiliency Program furthers the city's commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and supporting businesses in our city. Now with the Women's Business Council - Southwest as the lead service provider, business owners who are selected for the program will have access to resources and subject matter experts who can provide professional business assistance and help set these businesses up for success."
The Small Business Recovery & Resiliency Program was launched in May 2023 and is actively accepting applications until funding is depleted. It offers two grant opportunities. The Recovery Grant provides direct financial assistance in the form of a one-time grant of up to $15,000, determined based on 2022 gross income. The Resiliency Grant offers professional business support through training and technical assistance from WBCS-recommended service providers. Applicants have the option to apply for both grants within a single application, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Small businesses receiving a Recovery Grant must commit to receiving and participating in the offered training and technical assistance.
Bliss Coulter, President & CEO of the Women's Business Council - Southwest, expressed her anticipation of the partnership, saying, "We look forward to partnering with the City of Irving as the Lead Service Provider for the new Irving Recovery and Resiliency Program. This program has the potential to not only serve the Irving community but drive growth across DFW. This partnership showcases the capabilities and entrepreneurial strength of our Council's regional network of over 1,300 certified women-owned businesses as subject matter experts across a variety of industries. By working together, Irving-based businesses can tap into a wealth of resources that can help them overcome challenges, identify opportunities, and ultimately grow and achieve their goals."
Eligible businesses must be located within the City of Irving and have fewer than 100 employees. To qualify for the Recovery Grant, businesses must have been in operation before January 1, 2020, while there is no minimum business age requirement for the Resiliency Grant.
Grow America, formerly NDC, will assume the role of grant administrator for the program, responsible for reviewing all applications to ensure businesses meet eligibility criteria and program requirements.
